Cash registers and other accounting machines

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for calculating and indicating number values applied thereto including input means in the form of a keyboard having a plurality of key members arranged in rows and columns wherein the key members in at least two of the columns are operable both to enter values into the apparatus and to cause the apparatus to perform simultaneously one operative cycle of calculation and indication of result, one of these columns corresponding to a series of whole numbers while the other corresponds to the same numbers plus a fraction or a higher order number; indicator means including indicator element, and means for actuating one of the indicator elements similarly for operation of corresponding keys in said two columns; the apparatus including at least one further column of numbers for entering higher values without effecting cycling.

United States Patent [1 1 Gross et a1.

[ June E2, 1973 CASH REGISTERS AND OTHER ACCOUNTING MACHINES [75]Inventors: Henry Gross; Samuel Gross, both of London, England [73]Assignee: Gross Cash Registers Limited, London, England [22] Filed: Dec.10, 1970 [21] App]. No.: 96,829

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec 22, 1969 Great Britain62,227/69 [52 US. Cl. 235/156, 235/145 R [51] Int. Cl G061 7/38, G06c7/06 [58] Field of Search 235/156, 159, 160,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,253,132 5/1966 Pendleton235/168 3,267,436 8/1966 Alpert et a1 340/1725 3,281,794 10/1966Townsend 340/1725 3,294,960 12/1966 Townsend 235/160 ABSTRACT Thedisclosure relates to an apparatus for calculating and indicating numbervalues applied thereto including input means in the form of a keyboardhaving a plurality of key members arranged in rows and columns whereinthe key members in at least two of the columns are operable both toenter values into the apparatus and to cause the apparatus to performsimultaneously one operative cycle of calculation and indication of result, one of these columns corresponding to a series of whole numberswhile the other corresponds to the same numbers plus a fraction or ahigher order number; indicator means including indicator element, andmeans for actuating one of the indicator elements similarly foroperation of corresponding keys in said two columns; the apparatusincluding at least one further column of numbers for entering highervalues without effecting cycling.

15 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJUNI 2l973 3, 739,161

SHEET 1 O 9 PAIENIED 3.739.161

sum 2 or 9 Fla. 2. U3 &

; KEYBOARD MATRIX KEYBOARD CONTROL 51 TICKET [2 DRIVER FUNCTION 34 39DECODER 1 CLUTCH DRIVER r r370 STORE FERR/TE CONTROL STORE r I I .36 1522527 32 TIM/N6 RESULT DISPLAY BUFFER DRIVERS PATENTED JUN 1 2 I975 SHEET6 [IF 9 Y RING COUNTER SHEH 8 BF 9 OUTPUT AND KEYBOARD CIRCUIT 1 L ATOROSCIL- X- RING 119' COUNTER PAIENIEU Jum 21915 AND AND

CASH REGISTERS AND OTHER ACCOUNTING MACHINES This invention relates toapparatus for calculating and indicating information data. Suchapparatus is gen erally to be found, for example, in the form of cashregisters, adding machines, accounting machines, bookkeeping machines,desk calculators. The indication provided by such machines is effectedby visual indicator means and/or a print-out mechanism which, forexample, produces a printed ticket.

The main object of the present invention is to enable an operator tomore speedily enter successive items.

According to the present invention we provide an apparatus forcalculating and indicating number values applied thereto including inputmeans in the form of a keyboard having a plurality of key membersarranged in rows and columns wherein the key members in at least two ofthe columns are operable both to enter values into the apparatus and tocause the apparatus to perform simultaneously one operative cycle ofcalculation and indication of result, one of these columns correspondingto a series of whole numbers while the other corresponds to the samenumbers plus another numerical item i.e., a fraction or a higher ordernumber; indicator means including indicator elements, and means foractuating one of the indicator elements similarly for operation ofcorresponding keys in said two columns and for actuating another of theindicator elements to show said other numerical item; the apparatusincluding at least one further column of numbers for entering highervalues without effecting cycling.

Thus for example one column may be suitable for entering numbers 1 to 9representing pence while the adjacent column can enter 1% to 9%. Ifdesired two other columns can be arranged for entering to 19 and 10% to19%. Alternatively or additionally, the first column may be 1 to 9 andthe next column 10, 11,12,13, l4, l5, 16, 17, 18, 19, i.e. the samenumbers prefixed by the higher order number 1. A third column may beadded so that the keys represent 20 to 29 so that the keyboard includescycling keys for all numbers from 1 to 29. All the keys in these columnsare arranged to effect cycling of the apparatus to indicate the valueentered and to print-out this value and/or other information such aschange computation.

A constructional form of apparatus made in accordance with the inventionwill now be described by way of example with reference to theaccompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the keyboard of a cash register made inaccordance with the British decimal monetary system and suitable for usewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of some essential parts of the cashregister made in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are elevational views of certain parts shown inperspective in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a simplified view of the electronic circuits;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative form of keyboard suitablefor the dollar monetary system;

FIG. 7 is a table of some typical functions;

FIG. 8 is a table showing how functions are to be effected;

FIG. 9 is an electronic circuit indicating the way of carrying out thefunctions;

FIGfl0 briefly illustrates the electronic connections for sending asignal to the ticket issuing means; and

FIG. 11 illustrates the ticket printing and issuing devices.

The keyboard shown in FIG. 1 consists of 10 columns of key members inthe form of keys 15 15A, viz:

lst Column: A single key marked 15A. This key will be arranged to effectcycling of the machine so as to give an indication to the shopkeeper andto the customer of various required pieces of information and (in thisexample) also to print the information.

2nd Column. This consists of a single key for a halfpenny.

3rd Column. This has nine keys marked 1 to 9 respectively for pence andall arranged to effect cycling of the machine.

4th Column. This has nine keys marked one and a half to nine and a halfrespectively for pence and half pence and again all arranged for cyclingthe machine.

5th Column. This has nine keys marked in tens 10 to for pence and thesewill not cycle the machine in this example.

6th Column. This has nine keys marked 1 to 9 none of which effectscycling.

7th Column. This has nine non-cycling keys marked 10 to 90.

8th Column. This has nine keys marked I to IX to show different types ofinformation to be stored, e.g. different types of products. All thesemarks will be shown on the indicator and printed on a strip and/orticket.

9th Column. This has nine keys operating in a manner similar to the keysof column 8.

10th Column (last) has a key Z for clearing totals, a key X forsub-totals, e.g. sub-totals of a days taking of any selected assistant,a key C for credit, a key T for indicating the shop assistant, four keyswhich may be marked with selected products, e.g., petrol, oil,cigarettes, etc., used only for indicating and printing, and a key A/Tfor entering the amount tendered which is arranged so that by pressingkey 15A and A/T for example will cause the register to cycle twice,first to show the amount tendered and then to show the change due to thecustomer.

Each key is mounted on a vertical plunger 16 which is urged up to itsnormal position by a spring 17 and is guided by a rod 18 located in aslot 19. The plunger is held in its depressed position by a rod or bail20. The rods 20 are all retracted by means not shown at the initial partof a cycling operation whereupon the springs 17 restore the keys to theupper normal positions.

Each plunger 16 carries a small magnet 24' which when the plunger isdepressed acts on a reed switch 25 and causes an electric signal to besent to the electronic calculating and control means to be described viaa multicore cable 27 and socket connector 28 The connector 28 will beconnected with a plug connector 29 (FIG. 5) which conducts signals to akeyboard control circuit 30 and electronic calculator device 31A, 31B,31C, 31D and 31E, consisting ofa function decoder, arithmetic unit,store control, ferrite store and result buffer respectively, themulticore output from which leads to the series of display control anddriver devices 32, ticket issuing and driver device 33 and clutchcontrol and driver device 34. The devices 32, 33, 34 are connectedrespectively with socket connectors 36, 37, 38.

The operation of a live-key causes the apparatus to examine the keyboardmatrix. Before the apparatus can complete its action, and cause themechanism to operate, certain keyboard matrix conditions must besatisfied.

Typical examples of these conditions are tabulated in FIG. 7 to bedescribed.

The FUNCTION DECODER 31A contains the equivalent of the table FIG. 7 inthe form of logic elements of known type and decides how to perform thefunctions. If the function decoder is unable to interpret the keyboardmatrix sensibly, the machine will fail to cycle, and must be cleared bythe operator prior to reentering information on the keyboard. Thedecoder 31A emits digital coded signals e.g. a key in the 4th columnwould be indicated byl0l followed by the appropriate digital code forthe whole number.

The decoded function controls the ARITHMETIC UNIT 31B and the STORECONTROL 31C. The store control reads from the FERRITE STORE 31D thetotals that have to be processed. This information (from the ferritestore) is transferred to the arithmetic unit, where the keyboard amountis added to the totals in turn.

The resultant totals are then committed to the ferrite store forretention, again by the store control 31C.

At the same time the relevant information is transmitted to the RESULTBUFFER 31E.

Successful completion of the above processes cause the clutch solenoid103 (FIG. 2) to operate.

This solenoid initiates the mechanical cycle, and during part of themechanical cycle the display solenoids (to be described) are operated,resulting in a display of the information requested by the keyboard.

The required keys are cleared by the cycling of the apparatus, ready forthe next operator action.

The form of store used is ferrite core storage and has sufficientcapacity to contain the amount of cash in 18 totals, where each amountcould be up to99,999.99%.

This storage media (i.e., ferrite cores) is very convenient and isfrequently used when non-volatile properties are required. Knownprecautions are taken to ensure that the information stored is notdestroyed or corrupted, when the electricity supply is removed, whateverthe reason for supply interruption.

It is possible to read from the store, and not restore the informationand this is referred to as Grandtotalling or destructive-read-out, thisbeing known ferrite store technique.

When the information is to be examined and then restored, the process iscalled sub-totalling or nondestructive-read-out. Operation of keys X andA will cause a sub-total to be indicated and printed.

The Z key performs destructive read-out of Grandtotalling operations onparticular totals, e.g., shop assistant totals.

A grand total of a category, for example, is performed by Z and thecategory required.

The socket connectors 36, 38 will be connected respectively to plugs 40(FIG. 3) and 42 (FIG. 4). The connector 37 will be connected to a plug(not shown) which controls an electromagnetic device for controlling thefeeding of the ticket paper and for operating a ticket severing device.

FIG. 2 shows the general assembly of the indicators and power drivenmeans for operating them. They comprise a series of indicator drums ofwhich only one is shown at 45 with its operating means and two othersare generally indicated at 46, 47. Print wheels are also provided one ofwhich is shown at 49.

Drum 45 is one of a set of drums visible to the shopkeeper and 47 is oneof a similar set visible to the customer. The two sets are gearedtogether. Thus the drums 45, 47 may carry the indications S/T LIST andTotal and the print wheel 49 carry the same indications.

Each drum carries a pinion 50 in mesh with a gearwheel 51. The gearwheel51 has a series of pinions 52 in mesh with it, of which only one isshown. The series of pinions 52 are carried on a series of spindles ofwhich one is indicated by the line 54 and each of these spindles carriespinions 53, 55, which drive the drum 47 and print wheels 49, throughgearwheel 56 and pinions 57.

A pinion 59 in mesh with gearwheel 51 is geared to a toothed element inthe form of a circular disc 64 having peripheral teeth except for anedentate portion 65. Thus the disc 64 is permanently geared to thecorresponding indicator drums and print wheels. These discs 64 could, ifdesired, be replaced by a linear rack with suitable modification ofother parts. All the discs 64 are engaged at their edentate portions bya rod or bail 66 which is mounted on a pair of sector shaped plates67,68 which are pivotally mounted on a spindle 70 that I also carriesthe discs 64. The plates 67, 68 are provided with studs 71, 72 angularlyoffset from the bail 66 which studs enter slots 73, 74 in arms 75, 76.These arms are pivotally mounted at their lower ends on a spindle 78.Between their ends the arms are provided with rolls 80,81 engaged bycams 82, 83 on a camshaft 85. The camshaft 85 carries a plate 86 (FIG.4) fixed to it on which a pawl 87 is pivotally mounted, this pawl beingurged towards the shaft 85 by a spring 88. Surrounding the camshaft 85is a sleeve on which is fixed a gearwheel 90 and a dog clutch plate 91having dog clutch notches 92. The gearwheel is constantly driven bygears 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, the latter being fast on the spindle of anelectric motor 98 (FIG. 2). The pawl 87 has a dog 100 which can enterinto any one of the notches 92 whereupon the pawl and its plate 86 arerotated carrying the camshaft round also. The clutch pawl 87 is normallyheld disengaged by a control pawl 101 which can be depressed to releasethe pawl 87 by the armature 102 of a solenoid 1103. The solenoid 103 isconnected by the connector 42 to the electronic control device. Thuswhen the pawl 87 is released the camshaft is rotated through onerevolution whereupon it is stopped because the pawl 101 will havereturned to its normal position (by a spring 104) in which it causespawl 87 to disengage and serves as an abutment against which aprojection 105 on plate 86 engages to stop the plate 86 and thecamshaft.

Rotation of the camshaft through one revolution is term cycling of theregister. During the initial part of a cycle the rods 20 are allwithdrawn from the plungers so that the keys are all restored by thesprings 17 to their normal positions. Then the cams 82, 83 raise thearms 75, 76 whereupon the bail 66 engages the discs 64 at the ends oftheir edentate parts and moves them to their zero positions, togetherwith the indicator drums and print wheels. Over the next part of thecycle the bail moves back thereby permitting the toothed discs with theindicator drums and print wheels to move successively through theirnumber values by means of springs 106 until they are arrested inpositions corresponding to the required information. The arresting ofthe toothed discs is effected by means of pawls 107 op erated by thearmatures 108 of solenoids 109 which are connected by multicore cable110 and plug 40 to the electronic calculating device.

The modified form of keyboard shown in FIG. 6 is for use with a dollarcurrency. The first column is the same as FIG. 1. The second column ofFIG. 1 (half-penny key) is omitted. The second column (1 to 9) of FIG. 6is the same as the third of FIG. 1 and the third column of FIG. 6 issimilar to the fourth column of FIG. 1 but instead of representing thenumbers I to 9 plus a half, the keys serve for the numbers 1 to 9preceded by the tens figure 1. Thus the values I to 9 in both second andthird columns of FIG. 6 must control the same indicator drum and thesame print wheel. All the keys in the second and third columns arearranged to cycle the machine. The fourth column covers to 90 cents. Ifdesired, the 10 key could cycle the register. The other keys do notcycle the machine.

The fifth and sixth columns serve for l to 9 and 10 to 90 dollars andare non-cycling keys. The seventh, eighth and ninth columns are the sameas the eighth, ninth and tenth columns of FIG. 1.

The electronic calculating and control device is largely based on knownprinciples of memory storage and read-out (e.g., Logical Design ofDigital Computers by Montgomery Phister, Jr., published by John Wiley &Sons Inc. see Chapter 9). A complete illustration of the entirecircuitry is therefore unnecessary. A general description will, however,now be given.

FIG. 7 shows basically by way of example what the circuitry is requiredto accomplish. The area K represents keyboard and extends over verticalcolumns representing keys on the keyboard. Thus A1 Cash, A2 Categoryi.e., all keys in the 8th column A3 Shop Assistant (i.e., all keys inthe 9th column), A4 Z, A5 X, A6 Amount Tendered, A7 Credit, A8 Key A.

The area B1 covers a vertical column representing Functions which canonly be carried out with cycling of the apparatus when the keysindicated in the corresponding horizontal lines are operated. Thus B2LIST BOTH, B3 LIST BOTH (CREDIT), B4 SUBTO- TAL, B5 AMOUNT TENDERED, B6X CATEGORY.

Under the heading Functions are the names of various functions to becarried out before a cycling operation occurs. The function cannot beperformed unless all the conditions indicated in the horizontal rows areexisting, whereupon the cycling of the machine can take place. In thehorizontal rows 1 means that the key must be down and 0 means that thekey must be up. List Both" means that the machine will not cycle byoperating the LIST key or a live amount key unless a key is activated ineach of the Category and Shop Assistant columns. Similarly with otherfunctions.

FIG. 8 shows a scanning and memory store system wherein there are fivememory stores A, B, C, D, E, and three scanning operations, viz. Scan 1,Scan 2, Scan 3, which are effected successively. C1 Scan 1 (OperatorFunction), i.e. the apparatus scans for the items in the top horizontalline, viz. C2 LIST BOTH, C3 LIST BOTH CREDIT, C4 SUBTOTAL, C5 AMOUNTTENDERED, C6 CHANGE DUE which automatically follows by a second cyclingof the machine from C6, C7 AUTOMATIC if B is negative which will bedescribed later, C8 X Category. Because C6 or C7 automatically followC1-C5 they are not shown in FIG. 7.

Area Dl covers SCAN 2, D2 A Store KEY BOARD Amounts, D3 B StoreCUSTOMERS TO- TAL, D4 C Store MACHINE TOTAL, D5 D Store CATEGORY TOTALS,and D6 E Store SHOP ASSIS- TANT TOTALS.

Area E1 is SCAN 3, E2 A Store, E3 B Store, E4 C Store, E5 D Store and E6E Store, F DIS- PLAY and G DISPLAY with destruction of memory storeinformation.

At the end of Scan 2, it is known whether the result of calculations onB Store is to be negative or not. If the result is not negative thenScan 3 follows normally. If, however, the result proves to be negative,then the instructions shown under Column C7 are automatically selectedduring Scan 3. During the particular instruction (FIG. 8, Column C7, RowE3) labelled H, a negative marker is inserted.

Prior to Scan 1 there are pre-scans which continuously search thekeyboard for an operated live key. On finding a live key nothing happensuntil the end of the complete scan. On reading the end of a completescan containing a live key, a signal is sent within the logic whichstarts Scan 1.

Scan I serve to scan the keyboard to detect which keys indicated by thetop horizontal line of FIG. 7 have been depressed. Scan 1 thus detectswhich of the functions indicated in the left hand vertical column ofFIG. 7 are to be carried out. Certain interlocks are provided so thatthe apparatus will not cycle if the operator presses wrong keys, e.g.,two keys of the same column. The second Scan scans the five memory storesystems and, in effect, for C2 adds the keyboard indicated amount to thestore totals. For the next vertical column C3 represented by the keymarked (FIG. 8) (indicating refund) the scanning provides signals whichleave the A store unchanged, deducts the A store from the B store,leaves the C store unchanged, adds the A store to the D store and leavesthe E store unchanged. Similarly for all the other columns. FIG. 8 showsonly some of the vertical columns and the other (X credit, X shopassistant, and etc.) will be obvious.

The third scanning (Scan 3) automatically follows Scan 2, e.g., havingscanned the items in column C2 the remaining items in that column arescanned in Scan 3. Scan 3 provides signals which on cycling by the key15A causes A store to be displayed by the indicator drums and to beprinted, and leaves the other stores unchanged. Similarly, for the othercolumns as indicated. The reference G means that the store is read-outdestructively, i.e., the store is restored to zero.

If at the end of Sean 2 the result is negative, Scan 3 takes thealternative form shown in column C7.

The general nature of the keyboard control 30 and part of the functiondecoder 31A will now be described with reference to FIG. 9 includingmeans required for transferring whole numbers from two columns (1 to 9and the l to 9 parts of column 10 to 19) to the same solenoid such as109 to determine the position of the corresponding whole-number drumsuch as 45 and also for transferring the halfpenny from the compositekey column containing halves as well as the single halfpenny key to thesolenoid such as 109 which determines the position of the halfpenny drum45. FIG. 9

shows part of the keyboard matrix 115 connected by lines 27(corresponding to 27 in FIG. to the keyboard control 30.

The apparatus has a clock to synchronize all actions, and in thisapparatus an oscillator or multivibrator 116 forms the basis of theclock. A series of pulses is produced by the multivibrator andparticular pulses are fed to a ring counter 117 marked X. Every time thecounter 117 overflows, a pulse is fed to another similar counter 118marked Y.

Output lines 119 from the counter 117 are connected via transistorswitches 121 to the horizontal rows of the matrix 115 and the outputlines 122 from counter 118 are connected via transistor switches 120 tothe columns of the matrix 115. The switches 120 and 121 are connected toa keyboard output circuit 124 such that when a switch 25 in the matrix115 is closed a circuit is established through the circuit 124 when thecorresponding switches 120, 121 are closed. The outputs from 117 and 118are used to determine information paths through the switching elements25.

The clock system of the machine is continuously running and because ofthis the keyboard matrix 115 is continually scanned. When a switch 25 atthe intersection of a column and a row is conducting, there is acomplete signal path and an output is produced.

The ring counters are of well known conventional type. By monitoring theoutput it is possible to determine which switches 25 are closed, andwhich are not.

When the operator sets the keys, the last one must be a cycling keyi.e., if the last key is not a cycling value key he must finally operatekey A to cause cycling. The columns of cycling keys are termed livecolumns.

In setting the keyboard, the logic circuit ignores all signals until oneis sensed in a live column.

This initiates the logic functioning of the apparatus. Various checksare made on the sequence of signals to determine the validity of thekeyboard settings, i.e., if

two keys are depressed in the 1 to 9 column the apparatus will not cycleand the operator must reset the keys and start again.

The keyboard output circuit presents a signal to the main logic of themachine via line 125 when an external continuous circuit is detected asdescribed through a switch 25.

The X-ring counter 117 has output signals in two forms, one (119) isused to drive the keyboard switching circuit 121, and the second is incoded form on four lines 126, 127, 128, 129. The lines 125, 126, 127,128, 129 lead to the function decoder 31A. The code present on theoutputs 126, 127, 128, 129 is in the form 8, 4, 2, 1. When there is anoutput from the keyboard, and if columns A or B are selected by theY-ring counter 118, then the code is staticized by the four bistableelements 130.

At the appropriate time during SCAN 1 this staticized information 01-08is committed to the ferrite store 31D via lines 1308. The bistables 130are then reset, so that they may be used to staticize furtherinformation.

The binary coding is fed by lines 126-129 to AND gates 130A connected tothe four bistables which are of the type known as type RS. Output columnsignals from columns A and B are fed at A1 and B1 to an OR gate 132whichin turn feed signals to the AND gates A. In this manner correspondingwhole numbers from columns A and B are fed to the bistables 130.

Similarly, signals from columns A and C are fed at A2, C1 to AND gates140, 141, which in turn are connected to an OR gate 142 which feeds asignal for one halfpenny to the store 143 whether it comes from column Aor column C.

To display the keyboard information, the ferrite memory referred toearlier is read-out and the relevant information is transferred to thedisplay buffer 31E (FIG. 5).

This buffer is of the type known as Content Addressable Memory describedin Content Addressable and Associated Memory Systems A survey byA.G.I-Ianlon, I.E.E.E. Transactions on Electronic Computers, Vol. EC15,No. 4, pages 509-521.

Information is stored in this buffer in coded form binary-coded decimalcode, the code being in sympathy with the positions of the characters onthe print wheels.

On completion of the logic arithmetic, the logic causes the clutchsolenoid 103 to be actuated.

This in turn initiates one revolution of the display and printingmechanism. Synchronized to the movement of the display wheels is atiming disc 151 (FIG. 2) and when each character is in a position to bedisplayed, a signal is generated by the timing disc and sensed by asensing element 153.

These signals are sent by line 152 to a suitable timing counter circuit152A which generates a code. The code is transmitted to buffer 31E whichcompares them with the codes stored in the display buffer, and for eachposition where this particular code is found stored, one of thesolenoids 109 is actuated.

The above code comparison occurs for every character position on thedrums.

The information displayed is that dictated by the last keyboard settingsin conjunction with the information already in the logic and is retaineduntil the next cycle of the apparatus. For example in FIG. 8 under C2,at position E2 is shown the word display. This means that the keyboardsettings were as B2 in FIG. 7 and meant list both; and list both in FIG.8 means, do the calculations shown but display the contents of A store.From D2 (FIG. 8) it is seen that A store is the keyboard amount. In thisexample therefore, the amount just entered on the keyboard is the amountdisplayed. Similarly C4 (FIG. 8) displays the customers total.

Signals from all other keys are transferred in similar manner throughgates and memory stores such as 132, 130.

The ticket printing and issuing devices are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and11. Within the function decoder 31A there is logic circuit to establishthat it is necessary to perform a task called ticket-issue. Referring toFIG. 7 row B5 for example, then the function Amount Tendered willrequire a ticket to be issued. This requirement is decoded by normalmeans using logic elements, and provided that the resultant calculationis satisfactorily completed, then a signal is transferred via plug 37 tooperate the ticket issue mechanism.

The ticket driver device 33 (FIG. 5) receives a signal from the functiondecoder when all appropriate systems are in order. Thus in FIG. 10connections 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168 carry signalsrepresenting Cash keys operated, Category, Shop Assistant, Z, X, AmountTendered, Credit, 15A, Change due respectively. These signals are fedthrough an AND gate 170 to the Ticket Issue Driver 33 which then sends asignal to operate the ticket printing and operating means. Thus allkeys, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, should signal to indicate no keysdepressed and the other lines should signal all of these keys depressed.

The meaning of change-due (168 on FIG. 11) is that the customer hasoffered either enough, or more than enough, money to pay the bill.

The signal from 33 is sent to a solenoid 172 (FIG. 11), the armature 173of which engages a lever 174 which is urged in one direction by a spring175 and actuated in the other direction when the solenoid is energized.

A shaft 178 is driven during cycling of the machine and carries aguillotine-operating cam 179 fixed to it. The shaft also carries arotary member fixed to it on which is fixed a driven pin 180, and twocams 182, 183 fixed together and mounted freely on the shaft 178. Thecam 182 is a ticket drive cam and the cam 183 is a printing platen drivecam. Between the cams 182, 183 and pivoted thereon is a pawl 185. Whenthe solenoid 172 is energized the lever 174 tilts and a projection 187thereon is removed from one end of pawl 185 so that it swings and bringsits other end into the path of the drive pin 180 whereupon the two cams182, 183 are rotated.

Cam 182 operates a lever 190 pivoted at 191 and connected to a rack 192which drives a ticket driving roll 193 to drive the ticket strip 194.

The cam 183 engages a roll 196 carried by a lever 197 which actuates arod 198 engaged by a cam element 200. The rod 198 carries a projection201 which knocks up a roll 202 on an arm 203. The arm 203 is limited inits lower position by stop 203A and carries a rod 204A which passes upthrough a hole in an arm 204 which carries a printing platen 205. Therod 204A is bent over and down to carry a stop 204B which limits theupward movement of the arm 204. A spring 204C between arm 204 and therod 204A urges arm 204 up to the stop 204B. The rod 198 is shown in itsuppermost position in which the cam pin 200 has cammed the rod 198 outto bring the projection 201 free from the pin 202. The arms 203, 204 arethus lifted up and then dropped so that the platen presses the ticket194 against print wheels 206.

The guillotine cam 179 is engaged by a roll 207 on an arm 208 so as topush this up on every revolution of the shaft 178. The arm 208 ismounted on a pivot 210 which also carries an arm 211. Pivoted on the arm211 is a pawl 212 which has a roll 213 engaged by a projection 214 onthe lever 174. The pawl 212 also has a projection 215. The arm 208 ismoved up and down without moving the arm 211 until the projection 214releases roll 213 on pawl 212, whereupon the projection 215 moves intothe path of a roll 216 on the arm 208. The next upward movement of thearm 208 causes roll 216 to drive the pawl 212 and the arm 211 up. Thearm 211 operates a pawl 218 which drives a guillotine (not shown) alongthe plane indicated by the broken line 220 to sever the ticket from thestrip.

The use of composite keys 1 to 9 and 1% to 9% or 1 to 9 and 11 to l9which are all live or cycling keys forms the subject of our British Pat.application No. 62227/69.

It is to be understood that the present invention can be used inapparatus not provided with such double columns of live keys.

The apparatus is not limited to cash registers and may be applied toother apparatus such as accounting machines, adding machines,bookkeeping machines and desk calculators, with or without visualindicating means and/or print-out mechanisms.

Conveniently, the above apparatus may be modified to operate without thepush-button or key members. For example, the input information data maybe applied by inserting a card having the input information dataprovided thereon in the form of magnetized characters, the magnetizedparts of the card being used to effect electromagnetic coils for exampleto provide an input into the electronic circuitry. Alternatively, shadedistinguishable characters may be used. Punched card data or other formsof data can also be used.

Thus by the present invention we have provided a machine which may beoperated in a very fast manner due to the elimination of an operatormovement, e.g., for any sale whose value is between V; and 9% (or ifdesired even higher values) a single operation of a key will effect theentire transaction. Thus whereas, for example, in certain known machinesthe entry of 9% would require depression of three keys, this can all beaccomplished in accordance with the present invention by depression of asingle key.

If desired the calculating mechanism may be mechanical instead ofelectrical.

We claim:

1. 1n apparatus for indicating number values applied thereto andeffecting computations from said values and indicating the resultsthereof comprising input means in the form of a keyboard having aplurality of key members arranged in columns wherein two of the columnsare corresponding columns such that the key members in one of the twocolumns corresponds to a series of whole numbers and the key members inthe other of these two columns corresponds to the same series of wholenumbers plus an additional numerical item and the key members of atleast one further column represents higher values than said twocorresponding columns, indicator means including a series of indicatorelements, power operable actuating means which control operation of theindicator elements, a start device which initiates operation of saidactuating means, stop means for stopping said actuating means after saidactuating means has actuated the indicator elements, one of saidindicator elements serving as a common indicator element to indicate thesaid whole numbers of both said corresponding columns, another of saidindicator elements indicating said additional numerical item, electronicmeans responsive to said input means, controlling the actuating meansand the indicating means to thereby determine the indicating conditionsof the indicator elements according to the values of the key memberswhich have been actuated including (a) controlling said common indicatorelement according to the whole number values of the keys in said twocorresponding columns and (b) controlling another indicator elementaccording to the said additional numerical item, and means for actuatingsaid start device upon operation of any key member in said twocorresponding columns, all other whole number amount key members beingineffective to operate the start device.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said two columns isarranged for entering numbers 1 to 9 representing pence while theadjacent column can enter 1% to 9% pence; said key members furtherincluding a one half-penny key member which-also actuates the startdevice and said another of said indicator element controlled by saidactuating means according to the additional numerical items in the keysof the adjacent column and by the halfpenny key.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having two other columns of keymembers arranged for entering 10 to 19 and 10% to 19% all operating thestart device and operating the actuating means to control the same twoindicator elements and the key members of both of these columns causingthe actuating means to control a third indicator elements for tens.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein a third column of cyclingkey members represents 20 to 29 which operate the actuating means tocontrol the same indicator element as the key members of the first andsecond columns.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key members of one ofsaid two corresponding columns represents 1 to 9 while the other columnis 10 to 19 and all these key members operate the start device andoperate the actuating means to control two indicator elements viz. oneelement for items 1 to 9 and the other element for the tens.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key members of a thirdcolumn represents 10 to 90 key members of which the 10 key operatesoperation of the start device.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having successive columns I to 9 andll to 19, all key members of which operate the start device and twoother successive columns 1 to 9 and 10 to 90 all key members of whichinhibit operation of said start device.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having successive columns 1 9 and 1%to 9% the key members of which operate the start device and threesuccessive columns 10 to 90,l to9, and 10 to 90 the key members of whichinhibit operation of said start device.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuating means includesan electric motor, and the start device is an electromagnetic device anda clutch controlled by said device and associated with said electricmotor to operate the indicator elements; said actuating means includingelectronic calculating means producing electric signals controlling thecondition of the indicator elements; means being provided for producingsignals upon actuation of the key members which signals control theoperation of the electronic calculating means.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim ll, having a key other than value keyswhich causes operation of said start device.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having keys for categories ofselected items, said actuating means including means for calculatingtotals of any of these categories separately and operating the indicatorelements accordingly.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating meansincludes electronic means which comprises a memory store, logic gatingsystem providing input signals to the memory store, means for sendingrow code signals to the gating system, and means for sending controlsignals to the gating system from the key members of said twocorresponding columns containing'the same set of numbers, whereby eitherkey of the same number in said two columns can store this number in thesame memory store.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic means totalsthe items applied to the keyboard and a said key member is provided foroperating the start device whereby the total signals from the electronicmeans control the indicating elements to indicate totals.

14. Apparatus for indicating number values applied thereto and foreffecting computations from said values and indicating the resultsthereof comprising input means in the form of a keyboard having aplurality of key members arranged in columns wherein two of the columnsare corresponding columns such that the key members in one of thecolumns corresponds to a series of whole numbers and the key members inthe other. of these two columns corresponds to the same series ofnumbers plus an additional numerical item and the key members of atleast one further column represents higher values than said twocorresponding columns, means responsive to said key member for producingelectrical signals, electronic means receiving said electrical signalsand emitting signals corresponding to the operated key members,including emitting the same signal for the same whole number derivedfrom either of said two corresponding columns and a different signal forsaid additional numerical item, a series of indicator systems indicatingthe items corresponding to the operated keyboard member, and meansactuated by said emitted signals for controlling the indicator systemsto condition them to show the values corresponding to the actuatedkeyboard members whereby said indicator systems show the same indicationfor the same key members of either of said corresponding columns andanother indication for the additional numerical item.

15. Apparatus for indicating number values applied thereto and foreffecting computations from said values and indicating results thereofcomprising input means in the form of a keyboard having a plurality ofkey members arranged in columns wherein two of the columns arecorresponding columns such that the key members in one of the columnscorresponds to a series of whole numbers and the key members in theother of these two columns corresponds to the same series of numbersplus an additional numerical item and the key members of at least onefurther column represents higher values than said two correspondingcolumns, means for producing electric signals upon operation of any ofthe key members, indicator means including a series of indicatorelements, power operable actuating means including a mechanism whichcontrols actuation of the indicator elements, a start device operated byan said electrical signal for initiating operation of said actuatingmeans, first stop means for stopping said actuating means after saidmechanism has actuated the indicator elements, one of said indicatorelements serving as a common indicator element to indicate the saidwhole numbers for both said corresponding columns, another of saidindicator element indicating said additional numerical item, a pluralityof second stop means for stopping the movement of the indicator elementsin their positions corresponding to the key members that have beenoperated, said plurality of second stop means being a common stop meansserving to control the key member in either of said two correspondingcolumns, said electronic means sending start signals to said startdevice upon operation of any key in said two corresponding columns andsending signals to said second stop means consequent upon operation ofany key members representing values.

1. In apparatus for indicating number values applied thereto andeffecting computations from said values and indicating the resultsthereof comprising input means in the form of a keyboard having aplurality of key members arranged in columns wherein two of the columnsare corresponding columns such that the key members in one of the twocolumns corresponds to a series of whole numbers and the key members inthe other of these two columns corresponds to the same series of wholenumbers plus an additional numerical item and the key members of atleast one further column represents higher values than said twocorresponding columns, indicator means including a series of indicatorelements, power operable actuating means which control operation of theindicator elements, a start device which initiates operation of saidactuating means, stop means for stopping said actuating means after saidactuating means has actuated the indicator elements, one of saidindicator elements serving as a common indicator element to indicate thesaid whole numbers of both said corresponding columns, another of saidindicator elements indicating said additional numerical item, electronicmeans responsive to said input means, controlling the actuating meansand the indicating means to thereby determine the indicating conditionsof the indicator elements according to the values of the key memberswhich have been actuated including (a) controlLing said common indicatorelement according to the whole number values of the keys in said twocorresponding columns and (b) controlling another indicator elementaccording to the said additional numerical item, and means for actuatingsaid start device upon operation of any key member in said twocorresponding columns, all other whole number amount key members beingineffective to operate the start device.
 2. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein one of said two columns is arranged for enteringnumbers 1 to 9 representing pence while the adjacent column can enter 11/2 to 9 1/2 pence; said key members further including a one half-pennykey member which also actuates the start device and said another of saidindicator element controlled by said actuating means according to theadditional numerical items in the keys of the adjacent column and by thehalfpenny key.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having two othercolumns of key members arranged for entering 10 to 19 and 10 1/2 to 191/2 all operating the start device and operating the actuating means tocontrol the same two indicator elements and the key members of both ofthese columns causing the actuating means to control a third indicatorelements for tens.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein a thirdcolumn of cycling key members represents 20 to 29 which operate theactuating means to control the same indicator element as the key membersof the first and second columns.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein the key members of one of said two corresponding columnsrepresents 1 to 9 while the other column is 10 to 19 and all these keymembers operate the start device and operate the actuating means tocontrol two indicator elements viz. one element for items 1 to 9 and theother element for the tens.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe key members of a third column represents 10 to 90 key members ofwhich the 10 key operates operation of the start device.
 7. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, having successive columns 1 to 9 and 11 to 19, allkey members of which operate the start device and two other successivecolumns 1 to 9 and 10 to 90 all key members of which inhibit operationof said start device.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, havingsuccessive columns 1 9 and 1 1/2 to 9 1/2 the key members of whichoperate the start device and three successive columns 10 to 90, 1 to 9,and 10 to 90 the key members of which inhibit operation of said startdevice.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuating meansincludes an electric motor, and the start device is an electromagneticdevice and a clutch controlled by said device and associated with saidelectric motor to operate the indicator elements; said actuating meansincluding electronic calculating means producing electric signalscontrolling the condition of the indicator elements; means beingprovided for producing signals upon actuation of the key members whichsignals control the operation of the electronic calculating means. 10.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having a key other than value keyswhich causes operation of said start device.
 11. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, having keys for categories of selected items, said actuatingmeans including means for calculating totals of any of these categoriesseparately and operating the indicator elements accordingly. 12.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating means includeselectronic means which comprises a memory store, logic gating systemproviding input signals to the memory store, means for sending row codesignals to the gating system, and means for sending control signals tothe gating system from the key members of said two corresponding columnscontaining the same set of numbers, whereby eitHer key of the samenumber in said two columns can store this number in the same memorystore.
 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic meanstotals the items applied to the keyboard and a said key member isprovided for operating the start device whereby the total signals fromthe electronic means control the indicating elements to indicate totals.14. Apparatus for indicating number values applied thereto and foreffecting computations from said values and indicating the resultsthereof comprising input means in the form of a keyboard having aplurality of key members arranged in columns wherein two of the columnsare corresponding columns such that the key members in one of thecolumns corresponds to a series of whole numbers and the key members inthe other of these two columns corresponds to the same series of numbersplus an additional numerical item and the key members of at least onefurther column represents higher values than said two correspondingcolumns, means responsive to said key member for producing electricalsignals, electronic means receiving said electrical signals and emittingsignals corresponding to the operated key members, including emittingthe same signal for the same whole number derived from either of saidtwo corresponding columns and a different signal for said additionalnumerical item, a series of indicator systems indicating the itemscorresponding to the operated keyboard member, and means actuated bysaid emitted signals for controlling the indicator systems to conditionthem to show the values corresponding to the actuated keyboard memberswhereby said indicator systems show the same indication for the same keymembers of either of said corresponding columns and another indicationfor the additional numerical item.
 15. Apparatus for indicating numbervalues applied thereto and for effecting computations from said valuesand indicating results thereof comprising input means in the form of akeyboard having a plurality of key members arranged in columns whereintwo of the columns are corresponding columns such that the key membersin one of the columns corresponds to a series of whole numbers and thekey members in the other of these two columns corresponds to the sameseries of numbers plus an additional numerical item and the key membersof at least one further column represents higher values than said twocorresponding columns, means for producing electric signals uponoperation of any of the key members, indicator means including a seriesof indicator elements, power operable actuating means including amechanism which controls actuation of the indicator elements, a startdevice operated by an said electrical signal for initiating operation ofsaid actuating means, first stop means for stopping said actuating meansafter said mechanism has actuated the indicator elements, one of saidindicator elements serving as a common indicator element to indicate thesaid whole numbers for both said corresponding columns, another of saidindicator element indicating said additional numerical item, a pluralityof second stop means for stopping the movement of the indicator elementsin their positions corresponding to the key members that have beenoperated, said plurality of second stop means being a common stop meansserving to control said common indicating element, electroniccalculating and storage means, means responsive to the operation of thekey members to send signals to said electronic means, said electronicmeans including means for sending said electric signals to the secondstop means, said electronic means also including means for operating thecommon stop means after receiving a signal from the key member in eitherof said two corresponding columns, said electronic means sending startsignals to said start device upon operation of any key in said twocorresponding columns and sending signals to said second stop meansconsequent upon operation of any key members representing values.